The Narratives of COVID-19 (Part 3): Get your Vaccines...

Get your COVID -19 vaccines... if that is what your doctor and your conscience tell you.

Before I go on with this article, I have to tell you that I am hesitant to write this for so many reasons.

One of those reasons is that this is a very controversial topic and a highly politicized issue in some countries like the US.

Second, I am not a medical doctor. So, do not take this article as medical advice. This article is purely for your intellectual pleasure only. (Laugh out loud!).

Third, social media has become the new censor. If people do not like your ideas, they will silence you in so many ways that I do not need to elaborate here.

Now let us move on.

The topic of vaccination is something that I would like to avoid writing about.

However, in writing about COVID-19, the topic of vaccination is unavoidable.

I think it is better to get on with it and be done with this topic.

There are so many opinions circulating in the private, public, and digital spaces about vaccination.

Since I am not a medical doctor, I will not talk about its efficacy or safety.

I would not even deal with the morality or ethics of having vaccinated. I am not a moral theologian or an ethicist.

I want to discuss this issue with my basic academic background in general science, philosophy, and theology and a doctorate in Religious Studies.

Sorry for mentioning these details. I am just complying with full disclosure demands, which is important in this kind of discourse since I just want to discuss issues within the realm of my academic training.

The following are my ideas regarding the issue of the COVID-19 vaccine:

1. In every decision-making, rely on your discernment and your conscience.

Having or not having a vaccine is a matter of prudential judgement.

Of course, making a proper discernment demands that you are informed. So, ask your doctors.

Ask them for their honest and professional opinions about the pros and cons of having or not having a vaccine.

Ask them about the possible dangers of having or not having a vaccine, particularly in connection with your health conditions and occupation. For those who cannot get proper medical advice, at least go to the public clinics and ask your town's doctors.

2. Since no one really knows the depth and breadth of vaccines' effects and side effects as of now, take your risks accordingly.

Indeed, after asking the right professional advice, things would not be crystal clear.

Sometimes after talking to various experts, you might even end up more confused.

This is where your discernment enters as well as your risk-taking.

Every decision has its consequent risks; which ones are you willing to take?

It depends on you.

3. Decide for yourself. Do not let whatever the majority is doing influence your decision.

Avoid herd-mentality during times of crisis.

In the end, you have only yourself to be held accountable.

The last thing you would like to have is to blame other people for any unforeseen adverse effects on you because you just followed them.

If you make a decision, it should be free and informed decision.

4. Frequently, I have heard the narrative that the COVID-19 unvaccinated people are putting the vaccinated at risk.

What!!!!???

Before the COVID-19 vaccine came into the picture, it was often said that the "vaccinated protects the unvaccinated."

Now, the narratives have flipped!

But, I would not venture into this area since this is not my expertise.

Instead, I would propose that if you chose to be unvaccinated, take precautions to avoid getting infected. And if you are asymptomatic or symptomatic, take the necessary precautions to avoid infecting others.

I think this is true not only for COVID-19 but for all infectious diseases whether it is TB or AIDS.

Be responsible.

5. How about the so-called "common good?"

Is it not that if you are unvaccinated, you are putting other people at risk?

The argument is that by having yourself vaccinated, you are doing service and good to your fellowmen and country.

If this is so, thank you to those who have vaccinated themselves for the good of others and the country. Thank you for the goodness you have done.

However, no one can force people to do good or punish them if they refuse to do good.

Now, take note that this is different from doing evil.

Those who are doing evil will be punished accordingly by God or the state for violating the laws of God or the state. Thus, making them sinners or criminals, as the case may be.

However, it is not the case for having or not having a vaccine.

You cannot accuse the unvaccinated that they are guilty of the "sins of omission" because vaccination does not constitute a revealed commandment or a moral imperative. (This point is debatable if you are interested about this point, read the articles below).

Note: For those interested in the morality of having or not having a vaccine, you may read the following:

https://theconversation.com/there-are-plenty-of-moral-reasons-to-be-vaccinated-but-that-doesnt-mean-its-your-ethical-duty-158687

https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2021/04/09/whether-there-is-a-moral-obligation-to-be-vaccinated/

To be continued…

- Can governments restrict your rights and freedom if you will not take the vaccines?

- Can your respective church or faith leaders force you to take the vaccine?

And many other questions in my next blog…